Rogers won't run for U.S. Senate in 2014

Rogers ended months of speculation Friday by announcing his intentions at 10 a.m. to remain in his House seat, and as chairman of the powerful U.S. House Intelligence Committee.

The Howell Republican emailed his supporters informing them of his decision.

“I am truly humbled by the encouragement I have had to run for the United States Senate,” Rogers said. “After careful and thorough deliberation and long talks with my family, friends and supporters, I have determined that the best way for me to continue to have a direct impact for my constituents and the nation is to remain in the House of Representatives.

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“For me, the significance and depth of the impact I can make on my constituent’s behalf far outweighs the perceived importance of any title I might hold,” Rogers said.

Rogers referenced his work as chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee in his email blast.

“I believe that from my current position I am best able to have a real, positive impact on protecting our nation and her citizens,” he said. “And with complex challenges in Syria, Iran, North Korea, North Africa, Afghanistan, and China — intelligence issues will continue to be at the forefront of American national security concerns in the coming years.”

The 50-year-old didn’t throw his support behind any Republican to be the nominee to succeed U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, the long-serving Democrat who announced several months ago that he would not seek a seventh six-year term in 2014.

“We in Michigan have the good fortune of having a deep bench of Republican leaders who would make great United States senators,” Rogers said. “I have full confidence that Michigan’s Republican primary voters will select a candidate who can win and who will represent what has united the Michigan Republican Party for generations: support for the free market capitalism that has created the strongest economy and biggest middle class on earth, a limited government, a strong American foreign policy, and a robust defense of our nation’s security.”

So far, former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is in the race on the Republican side.

For the Democrats, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters from Bloomfield Township, is also running.

Rogers is a former state lawmaker elected to Congress in 2000. New district boundaries that took effect after the last census gave Rogers a fairly safe seat representing Ingham and Livingston counties, and most of the northern half of Oakland County.

The prevailing speculation has been that it would take a lot for Rogers to take on a contested primary and what is sure to be a hotly contested general election, despite having the financial resources to launch a statewide campaign.

Republicans and Democrats were quick to issue statements about Rogers’ decision.

“The Michigan Republican Party commends Rep. Rogers for his thoughtful consideration about running for U.S. Senate,” Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said. “His responsibilities as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee are critical to our national security — a role that, while at a tense time in our nation’s history, we can trust he will perform to the best of his ability. Although he will not be running for U.S. Senate, the people of Michigan are honored to have Rep. Rogers’ continued service in Washington. I have no doubt that Republicans will field a strong candidate to win this seat in 2014.”

Democrats said recent polls show Rogers trailing Peters in a head-to-head match for Levin’s seat by as much a 7-10 points.